From Our Chairman
The Chairman (or chairwoman) is the chief link between a city or town Committee and the Massachusetts Democratic Party.The Chairperson, as well as the other Committee officers, is elected in the Spring for a two year term. I have served as chair since 2004.The Salisbury Committee is currently working closely with the Massachusetts Democratic Party on two major initiatives: planning our Winter caucus at which we elect delegates to the annual convention of the Massachusetts Democratic Party; and participating in a working group with officials of the Massachusetts Democratic Party to improve the State’s website.
At the local level, I am constantly working to recruit new members and to obtain interesting guest speakers for our meetings. I believe that the Committee should be visible to the community and should provide a service to the community. When we have guest speakers, the community is invited to hear them. We have also served the community’s needs by conducting a food drive and a voter registration drive. I think that the citizens of Salisbury know that Salisbury has an active Democratic Party presence.
It has also become apparent that the Salisbury Committee is active and strong. We collaborate with the Committees of the surrounding cities and towns to ensure a strong Democratic Party presence in the entire region as well.
I am always open to new ideas for the Committee to pursue and new ways to serve the community.
I am always open to new members.
Thank you for visiting our website.
History of the SDTC
The Salisbury Democratic Town Committee, as currently constituted, was established when the Democrats of Salisbury elected seven of their fellow Democrats to form a Committee in the March 2004 Presidential Primary Election. Three of the newly elected members met in July 2004 and organized the newly elected Committee by electing a Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary. Records of Committee makeup and accomplishments prior to 2004 are not available.
After our July 2004 organizational meeting we established a regular schedule of monthly meetings which were announced in local news media. Since July 2004 we have developed by – laws; reported our newly constituted committee to the Massachusetts Democratic Party; established working relationships with the neighboring city and town Committees of Amesbury, Newbury, Newburyport, and West Newbury; initiated outreach to Salisbury Democrats for new members; and increased our available funds from $30 to over $1000.
Some of the things we have done since 2004 are:
Co – sponsored, along with four other area Committees, a political breakfast in 2005, 2006, and we are planning our third in 2007. This has turned out to be a great way to bring together about 200 area Democrats in a very pleasant and productive setting.
Provided visibility, phone banking, and canvassing for Democratic candidates in the 2004 and 2006 elections and we are now gearing up for 2008.
Participated in the Newburyport Homecoming Parade and the Salisbury Memorial Day Parade to improve Committee presence within the Community.
Joined with four other area Committees in establishing and staffing an area Democratic Party Campaign Headquarters in downtown Amesbury in 2002 and Newburyport in 2006.
Conducted a voter registration drive for the 2006 election.
Conducted a food drive to aid a local food pantry.
Held a caucus every year to elect delegates to the Massachusetts Democratic Party Convention.
Our members are active in the community in many ways. We are active in local Government and non-governmental activities as well. We currently have members on the Board of Health, Zoning Board of Appeals, Cultural Commission, Zoning Review Committee, Master Planning Committee, Salisbury Beach Betterment Association, and the Salisbury Boardwalk Partnership.
The Salisbury Democratic town Committee has a rich, albeit short, history of growth and support to the community and to the Democratic Party.
The Salisbury Democratic Town Committee is growing in numbers and strength along with the Democratic Party nationwide.